Construction on the I-5 Del
Rio Road/Winchester Interchange project was completed in November 2012.

Project Information

Overview

The Oregon Department of Transportation will replace the Del Rio bridge over Interstate 5 at the Winchester Interchange (Exit 129). The bridge replacement provides an opportunity to make other improvements to the interchange, such as moving all four ramps north to provide more acceleration and deceleration space and realigning Del Rio Road so that it leads directly into Umpqua College Road. Construction is scheduled to continue from June 2011 to September 2012.

Project facts

Location: Interstate 5, mile point 129.0-130.2

Construction Budget: Approximately $22 million

Prime Contractor: Kerr Contractors, Inc.

Construction Schedule: June 2011 to September 2012

Project features

Replace the Del Rio bridge over I-5. Built in 1955, the current two-lane bridge is cracking and needs to be replaced. The new bridge will carry five lanes of traffic, including three turn lanes.

Realign Del Rio Road to lead directly into Umpqua College Road. The new Del Rio bridge over I-5 will be built approximately 1,300 feet north of its current location. This will ease congestion at the interchange, improve the flow of traffic, and provide better visibility for motorists.

Move all four interstate ramps north. This shift provides more deceleration space for vehicles exiting the freeway. The new southbound loop ramp will better enable vehicles to reach highway speeds before merging with I-5 traffic.

Realign OR Highway 99 north of the Umpqua College Road intersection. The two-lane highway will be shifted approximately 200 feet east to provide room to build the new northbound I-5 ramps.

Reconfigure the Highway 99 intersection at Umpqua College Road/Del Rio Road and install a traffic signal. Each approach to the intersection will include a lane for through traffic and a left and right turn lane. (See intersection graphic below)

Add a traffic signal about 1,000 feet north of Umpqua College Road, where the new northbound I-5 ramps meet Highway 99.

Add sidewalks and bike lanes on the new Del Rio bridge, and on Highway 99 between the Old Winchester Bridge and the new intersection at Del Rio Road/Umpqua College Road.

Adjust the curve in Highway 99 north of the Winchester Bridge to improve flow of traffic.

Terminate the existing Del Rio Road west of I-5 after the old bridge and ramps are demolished. Access will still be available to the Roseburg Rod and Gun Club.

Relocate the parking lot of the fish viewing area north of the Winchester Bridge to improve safety and to include spaces for disabled drivers, school buses, RVs and other large vehicles.

Schedule

Construction will begin in June 2011 and is expected to be completed by September 2012.

In general terms, the first six months will likely focus on earthwork and excavation. This will involve realigning Highway 99, building detour ramps for southbound I-5 traffic and creating the base for the new Del Rio Road alignment.

The old Del Rio Road will continue to carry traffic across I-5 until the final months of construction.

Traffic impacts

There will be a great deal of construction at and around the Winchester interchange throughout the duration of the project. ODOT will make every effort to keep traffic impacts to a minimum.

In general, motorists should expect congestion and delays in the construction area. Watch for construction vehicles, workers, message boards and signs. ODOT will provide the public with advance notice of all traffic impacts.

Expected traffic impacts include:

Highway 99: In the one mile section of Highway 99 north of the Winchester Bridge, expect lane closures and delays up to 20 minutes during the first six months of construction. Afterwards, expect intermittent closures with shorter delays.

The southbound I-5 ramps at Exit 129 will be closed temporarily while detour ramps are constructed. This will likely take place during the first six months of construction. Afterwards, some short-term ramp closures may be necessary. During these closures, southbound I-5 motorists are advised to use Exit 135 or Exit 127.

Northbound ramps: Some short-term closures may be necessary when the new off-ramp is completed.

Interstate 5: Generally, all lanes of I-5 will remain open. Some nighttime lane closures and rolling slowdowns will be required for paving, setting beams on the new bridge and demolishing the old bridge.